Shouldered Prefit Vs. Barrel Nut

[Flatwater77]

New guy here starting an Origin build. I see that several barrel manufacturers now offer shouldered prefits for the Origin (and several other actions). My question is whether or not there are any compelling reasons to stick with barrel nut prefits now that shouldered prefits are becoming more common? Thanks folks. Appreciate your thoughts.

 

[XLR308]

Less tooling required for installation of a shouldered barrel and it's faster and easier.
But absolutely nothing wrong with using a barrel with a nut.
There is also the bonus of being able to easily sell a barrel with a nut and savage small shank threads if you change your mind on caliber since so many actions use it.

 

[Steel head]

Shouldered installs are easy peasy and I’d imagine you’d also get timed curvature to get maximum elevation.

Barrel nut installs allows you to get exactly the headspace you want, not a big deal unless you want to make a big deal out of it.
They are also usually easy to sell.

Right now all my barrels have nuts.
My next one might be shouldered just to try one out.

 

[Flatwater77]

Thanks to both of you. I appreciate the good advice!

 

[A&8's]

As mentioned above, IF you ever want to sell the barrel, a prefit limits your potential customer.

One thing I would suggest, however. Spend the money and get a go gauge and check headspace when installing a prefit...just to ensure everything is kosher.

 

[Flatwater77]

Thanks! Would you get a set or just a go gauge? Seems like some folks use a piece of paper to shim a go gauge into a no-go?

 

[Steel head]

I just used a go gauge and clear packing tape.
it’s generally 2 thousandths thick.

 

[A&8's]

Thanks! Would you get a set or just a go gauge? Seems like some folks use a piece of paper to shim a go gauge into a no-go?

Like Steel Head said, I just use a piece of Scotch tape. Clear usually is 1.5 thou, the matte tape usually is 2 thou and green Frog tape is usually 5 thou. At least from my experience.

 

[hereinaz]

I haven't ever wished I had a shouldered barrel for my level of precision and accuracy.

I would prefer a shouldered barrel just for ease putting it on. If you go barrel nut, consider using red loctite to fix the barrel nut then you can generally treat it like a shouldered barrel if you are playing switch barrel. Always check head space though.

 

[A&8's]

I haven't ever wished I had a shouldered barrel for my level of precision and accuracy.

I would prefer a shouldered barrel just for ease putting it on. If you go barrel nut, consider using red loctite to fix the barrel nut then you can generally treat it like a shouldered barrel if you are playing switch barrel. Always check head space though.

Just to clarify, you mean red loctite the nut to the barrel, not the action. ((I knew what you meant, but so someone doesn't think otherwise. lol))

 

[scwhit]

"Built" my first rifle last year and decided on a shouldered barrel, installation was very easy. I am not the most handy or tool inclined person if that sways you either way. The simplicity of it all was very nice.

 

[reich10]

I shoot a savage prefit on an origin using their barrel nut. I have never had an issue. I am about to order a new barrel from Preferred Barrels and will be getting the shouldered version.

 

[Flatwater77]

Just to clarify, you mean red loctite the nut to the barrel, not the action. ((I knew what you meant, but so someone doesn't think otherwise. lol))

Very interesting idea! BTW, I can't imagine the cussing involved in breaking free a loctited barrel.

 

[JLP.Payette]

I prefer shouldered for the streamlined appearance and the fact you can get larger countoured barrels with a shouldered barrel.

 

[Flatwater77]

I prefer shouldered for the streamlined appearance and the fact you can get larger countoured barrels with a shouldered barrel.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Ahogue]

Got an origin on the way and decided to go with a savage barrel just because they didnt offer straight tappered prefit for the origin though proof

 

[midwestoffroad]

It's really a wash both are take about as,much time to install and use lists to the same tools . And head space gauges are,always,a good idea

 

[gnochi]

I’m using an ARC BARLOC on a Savage prefit in my Nucleus, and previously in a Savage 10.

I don’t think there’s anything out there that requires less tooling:

• Spanner (optional, included with the BARLOC)
• Torque driver (Borka PTL090K)

Is it as sexy as a shouldered barrel? No, but the tooling fits in my range bag, and I’ve never had issues even after my rifle was knocked off a bench onto the muzzle.

 

[Steel head]

I’m using an ARC BARLOC on a Savage prefit in my Nucleus, and previously in a Savage 10.

I don’t think there’s anything out there that requires less tooling:

• Spanner (optional, included with the BARLOC)
• Torque driver (Borka PTL090K)

Is it as sexy as a shouldered barrel? No, but the tooling fits in my range bag, and I’ve never had issues even after my rifle was knocked off a bench onto the muzzle.

I’m running a barloc as well.
It’s really convenient.

 

[Flatwater77]

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I think I will probably start by trying to snag a used prefit and then move to a new shouldered barrel when I feel better about my shooting. Again - appreciate all of the advice.